Mount Pilchuck Hike

A hike up Mount Pilchuck offers panoramic views of the Cascades, Olympics, & Puget Sound on a clear day. It's six miles roundtrip starting at 3100 feet with an elevation gain of 2224 feet (for a total elevation of 5324 feet). The terrain of the trail is technical (wear proper hiking boots) and not well-suited for new hikers and its very crowded in the summers. The weather at the top can get cold in a hurry so wear layers, it is a mountain afterall, there is usually still snow on the trail through midsummer. The final push to the top when you are already tired involves navigating and climbing up huge bolders to a ladder that leads up to an old fire lookout. Remember going down is harder then going up as you will be tired once you summit. Bring your camera; the views along the way are worth snapping photos of. The following are photos of the views and terrain on the trail to give you an idea before you head out. Be sure to have a parking pass in your car when you go. Happy trails.